Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Parish Ministry

Thursday 9 December 2021 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Church Commissioners have provided 130 million since 2017 to support ministry in deprived parishes.
  • The number of people recommended for ordained ministry reached 591 last year, the highest in 13 years.
  • The Church of England remains committed to ensuring a Christian presence in every community.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Danny Kruger Reform East Wiltshire
Religion & Faith
Context

The Archbishop of York spoke about revitalising the parish at the General Synod, and the Church Commissioners have given £130 million since 2017 to support ministry in deprived parishes.

Question

What steps is the Church of England taking to strengthen its parish ministry?

Answer from Andrew Selous

Since 2017, £130 million has been given by the Church Commissioners to support ministry in deprived parishes. Last year saw 591 people recommended for ordained ministry, the highest number for 13 years. Ordinations to stipendiary ministry have increased by 43% since 2013.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not address the specific ask about ensuring every community has a locally based, theologically trained and well-resourced cleric.

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Q2 Danny Kruger Reform East Wiltshire
Religion & Faith
Context

There are concerns about a recent consultation that could weaken the ministry in parishes.

Question

The Church of England's vision for future ministry includes 'a Christian presence in every community'. What is being done to ensure every community has a locally based, theologically trained and well-resourced cleric?

Answer from Andrew Selous

I understand my hon. Friend's concern and that of many of our constituents up and down the country. I can only repeat that the Church of England remains committed to a Christian presence in every community.

Not addressed: The answer did not provide any specific actions or commitments beyond general reassurances.

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Q3 Martin Vickers Con Brigg and Immingham
Religion & Faith
Context

There is considerable concern about a recent consultation that could weaken the ministry in parishes.

Question

What can be said to reassure people about the concerns regarding the weakening of ministry due to the recent consultation?

Answer from Andrew Selous

I understand my hon. Friend's concern and that of many of our constituents up and down the country. I can only repeat that the Church of England remains committed to a Christian presence in every community.

Not addressed: The answer did not provide any specific actions or commitments beyond general reassurances.

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Q4 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Northern Ireland Religion & Faith
Context

The Government have set aside money for the restoration and maintenance of churches.

Question

Will Northern Ireland receive funding for the restoration and maintenance of churches as part of the same amount allocated to other UK regions?

Answer from Andrew Selous

I speak for the Church of England, but I will make inquiries on behalf of the hon. Gentleman regarding his specific query about Northern Ireland's participation in such funding.

Not addressed: The answer avoided addressing whether Northern Ireland would receive funds by stating that it was beyond his remit and he would inquire further.

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